Dvorský’s NHL debut was short notice — but he made it count

When Dalibor Dvorský got the word that he had been called up to the NHL, he thought it was a mistake. Preparing for another night with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL, he was stunned when his coach told him he would not be playing — not because of his performance, but because St. Louis needed him. An illness had sidelined first-line winger Pavel Buchnevich, and the Blues turned to their 2023 first-round pick for reinforcements.

Less than 24 hours later, on March 23, the 19-year-old was in the lineup against Nashville Predators. There was no morning skate, barely any time to adjust. But if he was nervous, it did not show. “Do what got you here,” was the lone instruction from head coach Jim Montgomery — who, remarkably, had never seen Dvorský play live until that very night.

The Slovak centre slotted into the third line alongside Alexandre Texier and Mathieu Joseph and logged 10:40 of ice time in a 4–1 win, St. Louis’ sixth straight victory. He did not register a point — though he briefly had a secondary assist credited, then corrected — but still left a strong impression.

“He was creative, made quick plays, and showed elite hockey IQ,” Montgomery said postgame. “That power play pass — he knew what he was going to do before the puck even got there. That’s rare.”

His most notable shift came in the 17th minute of the first period, when he helped set up Texier’s goal with a slick pass from the boards. It was a glimpse of the poise and vision that had him sitting third among AHL rookies in goals (20) and fifth in points (43) through 57 games.

Dvorský became the 99th Slovak to play in the NHL — and did so with his father in the crowd. Dalibor Sr., scheduled to fly home that day, had extended his stay just in time. “This has been his dream since he was little,” he told broadcasters mid-game, visibly emotional.

The teenager’s debut ended with applause, a win, and the symbolic passing of a well-worn team award — a vintage shoulder pad once worn by Blues enforcer Kelly Chase. “This thing’s older than Dalibor,” the team joked on social media, presenting him with the honour for top performance.

It remains to be seen whether Dvorský will stick with the big club once Buchnevich returns. Asked postgame, Montgomery directed the media to general manager Doug Armstrong.

But regardless of what’s next, the moment was not wasted. Dvorský was calm, effective, and mistake-free — doing all the little things coaches notice. It was a performance that showed promise, even if the points did not follow.

“This was incredible,” he said, eyes wide with disbelief. “I enjoyed every second. I’ll never forget it.”